GE backs fourth-quarter, 2006 outlook; issues 2007 forecast

KatherineHunt

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- General Electric Co.
GE, -1.68%
on Tuesday reaffirmed its forecast for the fourth quarter and full-year 2006. The Fairfield, Conn.-based company said it expects fourth-quarter per-share earnings growth of 13% to 16%, or 62 cents to 64 cents a share. For 2006, GE said it sees per-share earnings growth of 15% to 16%, or $1.97 to $1.99 a share. The company also forecast 2007 per-share earnings growth of 10% to 13%, or $2.17 to $2.23 a share. Additionally, GE raised its quarterly dividend 12% to 28 cents from 25 cents a share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 25 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 26. The company delivered the projections at its annual outlook meeting.

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